Shortly after André Greipel and Marcel Sieberg extended their contracts with the team, Lotto-Belisol has announced that Jürgen Roelandts and Jens Debusschere have also signed for two more years.

Jürgen Roelandts has ridden at this team ever since turning pro and the team’s trump card for the Flemish classics. Last year he missed his favourite races after a crash in the Tour Down Under, but the team kept believing in its leader; this year Roelandts became third in the Tour of Flanders after a very strong and exciting final. He also gave the team a victory in the Tour Méditerranéen. The almost 28-year-old rider is also an important link in Greipel’s sprint train.

Jens Debusschere has been a member of the team since his first year as a pro in 2011. When he was a junior he won the Tour of Flanders 2007. This season, for example in Gent-Wevelgem, he showed that he will be able to play a role among the pros as well. Debusschere can also position himself in a sprint. This year he became fourth in a bunch sprint in the first stage of Paris-Nice.

Manager Marc Sergeant: “After the extended stay of André Greipel – and the running contract of Jurgen Van den Broeck – we hold on to another key figure. It’s the sixth season of Jürgen in our team and he can still make progress. Next to that he’s also an exponent of our vision and an example for our young riders. As a 23-year-old rider he arrived at the team, he got the chance to develop himself and as a leader he’s an important part of our team. In the first part of the season the team stands behind him as one, he has an important role in the sprint train and also in the final part of the season we can rely on him. Also when Jürgen had a difficult time because of bad luck we have always kept believing in his qualities.”

“The new commitment with Jens Debusschere is a logical choice as well. He is still only 23 and he can help the team in different domains. This season he showed in Gent-Wevelgem and other races that in the future he might play a prominent role in the classics. Also in the races where he can take his own chance, like Dwars door Vlaanderen this year, we count on him. And he isn’t slow at the finish; especially when there is a finish with a small group he has opportunities.”

Roelandts had little doubt when it came to renewing his contract with the Lotto-Belisol team. “It’s important to me that, at Lotto Belisol, I can take my chance in the classics,” Roelandts explained. “My focus stays on the Flemish spring races for the next few years. Last year I was out for four months and I missed the first part of the season, but the team immediately gave me confidence when I returned to competition and selected me for the Tour de France. On top of all that we have an excellent sprint train. There are hardly any other teams that can ride such a strong two to three final kilometres. Of course that motivates us, especially for the upcoming Tour. It’s a nice group here at Lotto Belisol, we have fun. Because I have already been riding here for several years I have also bonded with the whole staff and if you’re feeling good in a group, you’ll perform better.”

Jens Debusschere also explained his motives for extending his contract with the team. “Ever since the first year the team has believed in me. There is appreciation from both sides. I have never thought about riding elsewhere. I feel good at Lotto Belisol and the team offers me a lot of opportunities. I get the chance to search my way; I can participate in the classics as well as getting a go in the sprint. It’s good that I can try everything. That’s what I need.”